U.S. patent application number 15/701174 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-18 for stabilized headband with rotating side pad.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bose Corporation. Invention is credited to Thomas G. Andrikowich.
Application Number | 20180302717 15/701174 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62104399 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180302717 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andrikowich; Thomas G. |
October 18, 2018 |
STABILIZED HEADBAND WITH ROTATING SIDE PAD
Abstract
A stabilized headband may include a pivot mechanism. The pivot
mechanism may be configured so that at least one pad is pivotable
about at least one pivot axis and disposed between the at least one
pad and one of first and second ends of the headband. The
stabilized headband may further include a rotation mechanism. The
rotation mechanism may be configured so that the at least one pad
is rotatable about at least one rotation axis and disposed between
the at least one pad and the one of the first and second ends of
the headband.
Inventors: |
Andrikowich; Thomas G.;
(Whitinsville, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bose Corporation |
Framingham |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62104399 |
Appl. No.: |
15/701174 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15487612 |
Apr 14, 2017 |
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15701174 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 5/0335 20130101;
H04R 1/1008 20130101; H04R 1/1058 20130101; H04R 1/1066 20130101;
H04M 1/05 20130101; H04R 1/1016 20130101; H04R 1/1091 20130101;
H04R 2201/107 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04R 5/033 20060101
H04R005/033; H04R 1/10 20060101 H04R001/10; H04M 1/05 20060101
H04M001/05 |
Claims
1. A stabilized headband, comprising: a headband having a first end
and a second end; and at least one pad having a contoured surface
to engage a head of a user in a contact region, the at least one
pad pivotably and rotatably coupled to the headband at a location
proximate to one of the first and second ends of the headband; a
pivot mechanism disposed between the at least one pad and the one
of the first and second ends of the headband so that the at least
one pad is pivotable about at least one pivot axis; a rotation
mechanism disposed between the at least one pad and the one of the
first and second ends of the headband so that the at least one pad
is rotatable about at least one rotation axis; and wherein, when
the headband is worn on the head, the at least one pad extends from
a region above an ear of the user to behind the ear of the
user.
2. The stabilized headband of claim 1 wherein the at least one pad
has a forward end and a back end, and wherein the pivot mechanism
is disposed at a location closer to the back end of the pad than
the forward end of the pad.
3. The stabilized headband of claim 1 wherein the pivot mechanism
comprises a hinge mechanism to enable pivoting about a hinge
axis.
4. The stabilized headband of claim 1 wherein the pivot mechanism
comprises at least one of: a ball joint and a compliant joint.
5. The stabilized headband of claim 1 wherein the contoured surface
substantially matches a contour of the head in the contact
region.
6. The stabilized headband of claim 1 wherein the headband includes
an arcuate section extending between the first and second ends and
wherein the at least one pad is pivotally coupled to the headband
at a position behind the arcuate section when the headband is worn
on the head of the user.
7. The stabilized headband of claim 6 wherein, when the headband is
worn on the head, the arcuate section of the headband is further
forward on the head than the first and second ends of the
headband.
8. The stabilized headband of claim 1 further comprising at least
one in-ear headphone attached to the headband.
9. The stabilized headband of claim 1 wherein the at least one pad
has a forward end and a back end, and wherein the rotation
mechanism is disposed at a location closer to the back end of the
pad than the forward end of the pad.
10. The stabilized headband of claim 1 wherein the rotation
mechanism comprises one or more of a rotating member, retaining
ring, spring, and retaining pin to enable rotation about the at
least one rotation axis.
11. The stabilized headband of claim 1 wherein the rotation
mechanism enables the at least one pad to rotate so that the at
least one pad is substantially aligned with the one of the first
and second ends of the headband.
12. The stabilized headband of claim 3 wherein the hinge mechanism
comprises a retaining pin to enable pivoting about the hinge
axis.
13. The stabilized headband of claim 3 wherein the hinge mechanism
comprises a knuckle received by a rotating member and retained by a
retaining pin.
14. A personal communications headset, comprising: a headband
having a first end and a second end; a first pad pivotably and
rotatably attached to the headband proximate to the first end of
the headband and having a first contoured surface to engage a head
of a user at a first contact region; a second pad pivotably and
rotatably attached to the headband proximate to the second end of
the headband and having a second contoured surface to engage the
head of the user at a second contact region; a first in-ear
headphone attached to the headband between the first end and the
first pad; a second in-ear headphone attached to the headband
between the second end and the second pad; and a boom microphone
attached to the headband, wherein each of the first and second
in-ear headphones is configured to generate an audio signal in
response to a received communications signal.
15. The personal communications headset of claim 14 further
comprising: a first pivot mechanism disposed between the first pad
and the headband and a second pivot mechanism disposed between the
second pad and the headband, each of the first and second pivot
mechanisms configured to enable the first and second pads,
respectively, to pivot about at least a pivot axis relative to the
headband; and a first rotation mechanism disposed between the first
pad and the headband and a second rotation mechanism disposed
between the second pad and the headband, each of the first and
second rotation mechanisms configured to enable the first and
second pads, respectively, to rotate about at least a rotation axis
relative to the headband.
16. The personal communications headset of claim 14 wherein each of
the first and second pads has a forward end and a back end, and
wherein the first and second pads are pivotably and rotatably
attached to the headband at locations on the first and second pads
closer to the back ends than the forward ends.
17. The personal communications headset of claim 14 wherein each of
the first and second pivot mechanisms comprises a hinge mechanism
to enable at least partial pivoting about a hinge axis.
18. The personal communications headset of claim 14 wherein the
first contoured surface substantially matches a contour of the head
in the first contact region and the second contoured surface
substantially matches the contour of the head in the second contact
region.
19. The personal communications headset of claim 14 wherein the
headband includes an arcuate section extending between the first
and second ends and wherein each of the first and second pads is
pivotally attached to the headband at a position behind the arcuate
section when the personal communications headset is worn on the
head of a user.
20. The personal communications headset of claim 14 wherein, when
the personal communications headset is worn on the head of a user,
an arcuate section of the headband is further forward on the head
than the first and second ends of the headband.
21. The personal communications headset of claim 15 wherein the
first and second rotation mechanisms enable the first and second
pads to rotate, respectively, so that the first pad is
substantially aligned with the first end of the headband and the
second pad is substantially aligned with the second end of the
headband.
22. A stabilized headband, comprising: a pivot mechanism configured
so that at least one pad is pivotable about at least one pivot axis
and disposed between the at least one pad and one of first and
second ends of the headband; and a rotation mechanism configured so
that the at least one pad is rotatable about at least one rotation
axis and disposed between the at least one pad and the one of the
first and second ends of the headband.
23. The stabilized headband of claim 22 wherein the at least one
pad has a forward end and a back end, and wherein the pivot and
rotation mechanisms are disposed at a location closer to the back
end of the pad than the forward end of the pad.
24. The stabilized headband of claim 22 wherein the pivot mechanism
comprises a hinge mechanism to enable pivoting about a hinge axis
and the rotation mechanism comprises a rotating member to enable
rotation about the at least one rotation axis.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 15/487,612, filed Apr. 14, 2017 and
titled "STABILIZED HEADBAND," the entirety of which is incorporated
by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to communications
headsets. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a headband
that provides comfort and remains in a stable position when worn on
the head.
SUMMARY
[0003] In an embodiment, a stabilized headband may include a
rotation mechanism configured so that at least one pad is rotatable
about at least one rotation axis. The rotation mechanism may be
disposed between the at least one pad and the one of the first and
second ends of the headband.
[0004] One or more of features may be included. The at least one
pad may have a forward end and a back end. The rotation mechanism
may be disposed at a location closer to the back end of the pad
than the forward end of the pad. The rotation mechanism may include
a rotating member to enable rotation about the at least one
rotation axis.
[0005] In an embodiment, a stabilized headband may include a pivot
mechanism configured so that at least one pad is pivotable about at
least one pivot axis and disposed between the at least one pad and
one of first and second ends of the headband. The stabilized
headband may further include a rotation mechanism configured so
that the at least one pad is rotatable about at least one rotation
axis and disposed between the at least one pad and the one of the
first and second ends of the headband.
[0006] One or more of features may be included. The at least one
pad may have a forward end and a back end. The pivot and rotation
mechanisms may be disposed at a location closer to the back end of
the pad than the forward end of the pad. The pivot mechanism may
include a hinge mechanism to enable pivoting about a hinge axis.
The rotation mechanism may include a rotating member to enable
rotation about the at least one rotation axis. In one aspect, a
stabilized headband includes a headband and at least one pad. The
headband has a first end and a second end. The at least one pad has
a contoured surface to engage a head of a user in a contact region.
The at least one pad may be pivotably and rotatably coupled to the
headband at a location proximate to one of the first and second
ends of the headband. A pivot mechanism may be disposed between the
at least one pad and the one of the first and second ends of the
headband so that the at least one pad is pivotable about at least
one pivot axis. A rotation mechanism may be disposed between the at
least one pad and the one of the first and second ends of the
headband so that the at least one pad is rotatable about at least
one rotation axis. When the headband is worn on the head, the at
least one pad extends from a region above an ear of the user to
behind the ear of the user.
[0007] Examples may include one or more of the following
features:
[0008] The at least one pad may have a forward end and a back end
with the pivot mechanism disposed at a location closer to the back
end of the pad than the forward end of the pad. The pivot mechanism
may be configured so that the at least one pad is pivotable about
at least one pivot axis and includes one or more of a ball joint, a
compliant joint or a hinge mechanism to enable pivoting about a
hinge axis. The compliant joint may include an elastomeric material
disposed between the headband and the at least one pad.
[0009] The rotation mechanism may be disposed at a location closer
to the back end of the pad than the forward end of the pad. The
rotation mechanism may be configured so that the at least one pad
is rotatable about at least one rotation axis. The rotation
mechanism may enable the at least one pad to rotate so that the at
least one pad is substantially aligned with the one of the first
and second ends of the headband. The rotation mechanism may include
one or more of a rotating member to enable rotation about the at
least one rotation axis, a retaining ring, a spring, and a
retaining pin. The hinge mechanism may include a retaining pin to
enable pivoting about a hinge axis. The hinge mechanism may also
include a knuckle received by a rotating member and retained by a
retaining pin.
[0010] The contoured surface may substantially match a contour of
the head in the contact region.
[0011] The headband may include an arcuate section that extends
between the first and second ends with the at least one pad is
pivotally coupled to the headband at a position behind the arcuate
section when the headband is worn on the head of the user. When the
headband is worn on the head, the arcuate section of the headband
may be further forward on the head than the first and second ends
of the headband.
[0012] The at least one pad may include a rigid bracket and a
compliant layer attached to the rigid bracket. The at least one pad
may include a compliant member. The compliant member may have a
spatially-varying thickness and/or a spatially-varying density.
[0013] The stabilized headband may further include at least one
in-ear headphone attached to the headband. The stabilized headband
may further include a boom microphone attached to the headband.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect, a personal communications
headset includes a headband, a first pad, a second pad, a first
in-ear headphone, a second in-ear headphone and a boom microphone.
The headband has a first end and a second end. The first pad may be
pivotably and rotatably attached to the headband proximate to the
first end of the headband and has a first contoured surface to
engage a head of a user at a first contact region. The second pad
may be pivotably and rotatably attached to the headband proximate
to the second end of the headband and has a second contoured
surface to engage the head of the user at a second contact region.
The first in-ear headphone is attached to the headband between the
first end and the first pad, and the second in-ear headphone is
attached to the headband between the second end and the second pad.
Each of the first and second in-ear headphones is configured to
generate an audio signal in response to a received communications
signal. The boom microphone is attached to the headband.
[0015] Examples may include one or more of the following
features:
[0016] The personal communications headset may further include a
first pivot mechanism disposed between the first pad and the
headband and a second pivot mechanism disposed between the second
pad and the headband. Each of the first and second pivot mechanisms
is configured to enable the first and second pads, respectively, to
pivot about at least a pivot axis relative to the headband.
[0017] The personal communications headset may further include a
first rotation mechanism disposed between the first pad and the
headband and a second rotation mechanism disposed between the
second pad and the headband. Each of the first and second rotation
mechanisms may be configured to enable the first and second pads,
respectively, to rotate about at least a rotation axis relative to
the headband. The first and second rotation mechanisms may enable
the first and second pads to rotate, respectively, so that the
first pad is substantially aligned with the first end of the
headband and the second pad is substantially aligned with the
second end of the headband.
[0018] Each of the first and second pads may have a forward end and
a back end. The first and second pads may be pivotably and
rotatably attached to the headband at locations on the pads closer
to the back ends than the forward ends. Each of the first and
second pivot mechanisms may include a hinge mechanism to enable at
least partial pivoting about a hinge axis. Each of the first and
second rotation mechanisms may include a rotation mechanism to
enable at least partial rotating about the rotation axis.
[0019] The first contoured surface may substantially match a
contour of the head in the first contact region and the second
contoured surface may substantially match the contour of the head
in the second contact region.
[0020] The boom microphone may include a velocity microphone. The
first and second pads may have the same shape. The first contoured
surface and second contoured surface may have different
contours.
[0021] The headband may include an arcuate section that extends
between the first and second ends with each of the first and second
pads pivotally attached to the headband at a position behind the
arcuate section when the personal communications headset is worn on
the head of a user. The arcuate section of the headband may be
further forward on the head than the first and second ends of the
headband when the personal communications headset is worn on the
head of a user.
[0022] In accordance with another aspect, a stabilized headband
includes a headband, a first pad and a second pad. The headband has
a first end, a second end and an arcuate section extending between
the first and second ends. The first pad has a first contoured
surface to engage a head of a user in a first contact region. The
second pad has a second contoured surface to engage the head of the
user in a second contact region. The first and second pads are
pivotably and rotatably coupled to the headband proximate to the
first and second ends, respectively, at a location that may be
behind the arcuate section when the headband is worn on a head of a
user. The arcuate section defines a headband plane which defines a
non-zero angle with respect to a vertical plane when the headband
is worn on the head of the user.
[0023] Examples may include one or more of the following
features:
[0024] Each of the first and second pads may have a forward end and
a back end, with the first and second pads pivotally and rotatably
coupled to the headband at a location on the pad that is closer to
the back end than the forward end.
[0025] When the headband is worn on the head, the arcuate section
of the headband may be further forward on the head than the first
and second ends of the headband.
[0026] The first contoured surface may substantially match a
contour of the head in the first contact region and the second
contoured surface may substantially match the contour of the head
in the second contact region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The above and further aspects of examples of the present
inventive concepts may be better understood by referring to the
following description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements
and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily
to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the
principles of features and implementations.
[0028] FIG. 1A is a front view of an example of a personal
communications headset worn on the head of a user.
[0029] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the personal communications
headset of FIG. 1A removed from the head.
[0030] FIG. 2 is an expanded view of the left end of the example of
a personal communications headset shown in FIG. 1A.
[0031] FIG. 3 is view of the personal communications headset of
FIG. 2 with one of the pads removed to show the hinge pivot
mechanism.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of a measured clamping
force applied to the head of a user by a headset as a function of
three human head models.
[0033] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an example personal
communications headset removed from the head.
[0034] FIG. 5B is an expanded view of a rotating mechanism of the
example personal communications headset shown in 5A.
[0035] FIG. 5C is an expanded view of the right end of the example
of a personal communications headset shown in 5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Aviation headsets are used by pilots in both general
aviation and commercial aviation. Such headsets can be connected to
aircraft communication systems, for example to communicate with
air-traffic control (ATC) or with other pilots. The headsets can
also be used as part of a public address system, for example, for
the pilots to speak with passengers on board the aircraft. The
headsets generally include a microphone positioned at the end of a
boom in front of the mouth of the speaker. The microphone may be of
numerous types, including but not limited to velocity microphones
and pressure microphones. In some examples, the microphone is a
velocity microphone which generates an output signal that is
responsive to the instantaneous velocity of the air molecules in
the incident acoustic energy. Velocity microphones generally have
robust far field noise cancelling capability at frequencies that
include the dominant types of aircraft noise. Thus, velocity
microphones are generally preferable to other types of microphones
(e.g., pressure microphones) in aircraft and in other environment
having similar background noise. However, velocity microphones are
sensitive to changes in position, and require accurate and stable
placement in the vicinity of a user's mouth. For example, any
motion of the microphone relative to the mouth of a user can result
in unwanted modulation of the microphone signal generated in
response to the user's speech. While a velocity microphone may be
preferred in certain environments, other microphone types may be
used.
[0037] On-ear and over-ear headsets may provide a sufficient
clamping force to a wearer's head so that a microphone positioned
at the end of a boom remains in a relatively stable position in
front of the user's mouth. For example, as the user moves about the
aircraft or during movement of the user's head to view
instrumentation, the microphone generally remains in position in
front of the user's mouth. On-ear and over-ear headsets are
relatively bulky and less portable in comparison to an in-ear
headset. Commercially-available in-ear headsets are more portable;
however, the use of a boom microphone on an in-ear headset can
result in movement of the microphone relative to the user's mouth
during motion of the user's head or body due to the compliance of
the ear canal, the compliance of eartips on the earbuds and/or the
ineffectiveness of other stabilizing mechanisms used to support the
microphone.
[0038] The examples of headbands described herein are suitable for
use in in-ear headsets that may be worn by aviators, aircraft
personnel and other users exposed to a high noise environment, and
that may be used in other applications where a headset with a
microphone positioned in front of the mouth of the user is desired.
The headset is portable and provides proper positioning of the
microphone relative to the mouth. Moreover, the headset has
improved stability such that the microphone remains substantially
fixed in position regardless of user activity. Consequently,
modulation of the microphone signal relative to conventional in-ear
headsets is reduced or eliminated, regardless of user activity.
Moreover, the headband includes support pads that reduce or
eliminate user discomfort from the clamping force applied to the
head.
[0039] Applications outside of the aviation context may also use a
headset with a microphone positioned at the end of a boom so that
the microphone is placed in front of the mouth of the speaker. For
example, such headsets are used in broadcasting, call centers,
video game applications, personal communications, coaching and
training (e.g., coaches on the sidelines, personnel in a booth,
personal trainers, etc.), lectures, and others. While the aviation
environment is used as an example application for the headset
described herein, the headset described herein can be used in any
application where a headset is used with a microphone positioned at
the end of a boom so that the microphone is placed in front of the
mouth of the speaker, as well as in applications where a headset
with a comfortable and stable headband is desired.
[0040] FIG. 1A shows a side view of an example of a personal
communications headset 10 (e.g. an aviation headset) worn on the
head and FIG. 1B shows the headset 10 removed from the head and in
a relaxed state. Reference numbers followed by an "A" or a "B"
indicate a feature that corresponds to the right side or the left
side, respectively, of the headset 10. The headset 10 includes a
headband having an arcuate section 12, a right end and a left end.
A right housing 14A and a left housing 14B are located at the right
end and the left end, respectively, of the headband. The arcuate
section 12 serves as an over-the-head bridge between the right and
left housings 14. A spring band 18 (e.g., spring steel) extends
from the right housing 14A, through the arcuate section 12 and to
the left housing 14B. The spring band 18 provides a clamping force
to move the housings 14 toward each other (approximately along a
horizontal plane through the wearer's head) while the headband is
worn by a user. The right and left housings 14 can be moved a
distance either up and toward or down and away from the arcuate
section 12 to accommodate a smaller or larger head,
respectively.
[0041] A pad (right pad 16A or left pad 16B, generally 16) is
attached to each housing 14 and is used to comfortably secure the
headset 10 to the head. As used herein, a "pad" means a compliant
member that can compress and/or deform under an applied pressure
and that is configured for contact with the head of a user in a
manner that supports the headband. For example, the compliant
member may include a compliant material such as a foam or a
compliant elastomer, as well as an inflatable or liquid-filled
member. Compliance may be controlled by varying the thickness or
taper of the pad 16, controlling the spatial variance of the
density of the material across the pad 16, and/or by controlling
the spatial variance of the combination of two or more materials in
the pad 16. The compliant member may include two or more materials
having different geometries. A pad 16 may also include a rigid
bracket (not shown) that holds the compliant member and allows for
convenient coupling to the housing 14. In one specific example,
each pad 16 is a foam cushion wrapped in a synthetic leather
material (e.g., leatherette or pleather). The foam cushion may be
an open cell or closed cell polyurethane foam, or may include
silicone rubber. Each pad 16 is pivotally (or pivotably) coupled to
one of the housings 14 to allow pivoting about one or more axes.
Each pad 16 includes a contoured surface 25 that substantially
matches a contour of the head in a "contact region" where the pad
16 is adjacent to the head. In a specific non-limiting example, the
contoured surface 25 may have a contour of a 50% male head, that
is, a median-sized head for a population of male heads. Matching
the contoured surface 25 to the contact region on the head results
in increased comfort as the force applied through the pad 16 is
distributed about the pad surface area. The compliance allows the
pad 16 to more accurately conform to the contour in the contact
region when there is a mismatch between the contours of the pad and
the contact region. When the headset 10 is worn on the head, each
pad 16 extends from its forward end above the ear to its back end,
which is lower on the head and behind the ear. Thus, the pads 16
avoid applying pressure in front of the ear and in the temple
region where user sensitivity is greater and discomfort would
typically result.
[0042] The illustrated example of the in-ear headset 10 depicts the
two pads 16 having complementary geometries such that the pads 16
have the same surface areas and thicknesses, and have complementary
contoured surfaces 25. By way of a specific non-limiting numerical
example, the surface area of each pad 16 may be approximately 1700
mm.sup.2. In alternative examples the pads may have different
surface areas and/or different thicknesses. In addition, the
contoured surfaces may be different, for example, if the two pads
are configured to engage the head at contact regions that are not
symmetrically opposed.
[0043] A boom 20 extends from a rotatable base 22 near the bottom
of one of the housings (e.g., as illustrated, the right housing
14A) and is used to position and support a microphone 24 attached
at the other end. The boom 20 may be adjusted, in part, by rotation
about its base 22 to place the microphone 24 in proper position
with respect to the mouth of the user. The boom 20 may be
permanently affixed to the housing 14A or may be removable so that
the portable headset 10 can be used for both aviation and
non-aviation uses (e.g., music playback).
[0044] A connector 26 for a communications cable extends from the
bottom of the right housing 14A. The communications cable may have
one or more conductors to conduct electrical signals such as a
microphone signal and/or an audio signal. The communications cable
may include a control module to provide control of one or more
operating parameters of the headset and may also include a source
of electrical power (e.g., batteries). The communications cable may
have one or more connectors to couple the headset 10 to an aircraft
communications system.
[0045] An earbud connector cable 28 extends at one end from each
housing 14. The opposite end of the flexible cable 28 is suitable
for connecting to an earbud or other type of in-ear headphone.
Advantageously, any change in the position of the earbuds with
respect to the ear canals of the user results in no adverse effect
on the positioning of the microphone 24 with respect to the user's
mouth.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows a rear and expanded view of the right housing
14A and attached features. The pad 16A has a shape (i.e.,
perimeter) that defines the contact region on the head. The surface
25A on the inner side of the pad 16A has a non-planar contour that
is substantially matched to the shape of the head in the contact
region to ensure near-full contact. In one example, the shape is
based on measurements of head shapes and contours for a large
measurement population and the contour is defined for "a median
head" as determined from the measurements. Ensuring near-full or
full contact with the head, the force applied to the head is more
evenly distributed across the surface area of the pad 16. A larger
pad generally results in a lower applied pressure; however, the
preference for increased pad size is generally limited to maintain
reasonable portability for the headset.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 1A, when the headset 10 is positioned on a
head, the arcuate section 12 of the headband and upper portions of
the two housings 16 lie in a plane (into the page) that defines an
angle .theta. with respect to a vertical plane (into the page). By
way of a non-limiting example, the angle .theta. may be
approximately 15.degree.. Thus, at least some portions of the
arcuate section 12 are further forward on the head relative to the
housings 14. The force applied to each pad 16 is through a pivot
point where the pad 16 is coupled to the housing 14. The pivot
point is closer to the back end of each pad 16, therefore there may
be a tendency for the pads 16 to slide backward on the head. Any
tendency to slide backward is counteracted by the reactive force
applied between the head and the headband in the forward portion,
that is, the region where the arcuate section 12 is in contact with
the head.
[0048] FIG. 2 shows a pivot mechanism where the force is
transferred from the right housing 14A to the pad 16A. In this
illustrated example, the pivot mechanism is a hinge-type mechanism
that includes two housing knuckles 30 protruding inward from the
right housing 16A and a single intervening pad knuckle 32
protruding outward from the outer pad surface. Similar to a
conventional door hinge, a hinge pin 34 passes through the opening
in the three knuckles 30 and 32. Thus, the pad 16A can pivot with
respect to the housing 14A about the hinge axis (axis of pin) 36.
This pivoting allows the pad 16A to achieve a better fit against a
user's head and further increase the comfort to the user. FIG. 3
shows the headset 10 with the other (left) pad 16B and its hinge
pin 34 removed for clarity.
[0049] Although illustrated as a hinge-type pivot mechanism, other
forms of pivot mechanisms may be used. For example, a dual-axis
pivot mechanism may be used or a multi-axis pivot mechanism, such
as a ball and socket joint, may be used for additional pivoting
and/or rotational freedom. In yet another alternative example, the
pivot mechanism may be a compliant joint. For example, the
compliant joint may include an elastomeric material (e.g. silicone
rubber) disposed in one or more locations between the housing 14
and pad 16. In some examples, the pad may be removably attached to
the pivot mechanism, enabling different sized pads to be attached
to the headset to accommodate different head shapes and sizes.
[0050] A further improvement in comfort is achieved by locating the
pivot mechanism, and therefore the location of the applied force,
away from the forward end and closer to the back end of the pad 16A
(see pivot point 38 in FIG. 1A). Thus, the pressure (and reactive
force) near the back of the pad 16 where the head is less sensitive
to pressure is greater than the pressure near the front of the pad
which is closer to the temple and more sensitive. In one
non-limiting example, the pressure is distributed across the pad 16
so that approximately 80% of the pressure is towards the back of
the pad and 20% of the pressure is near the front of the pad. This
distribution of pressure increases comfort without sacrificing the
clamping force of the headband.
[0051] FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of the clamping force
(the force the headset exerts against the head when worn, measured
in grams) as a function of three headband openings (the distance
between the two pads of the headset, measured in mm). The smallest
opening value corresponds to an opening for a 5.sup.th percentile
female head, the intermediate opening value corresponds to a
50.sup.th percentile male head and the largest opening corresponds
to a 95.sup.th percentile male head. Plots 40, 42 and 44 depict the
force applied for no extension, an extension of 12 mm and an
extension of 25 mm, respectively, for a headband having a 0.7 mm
thick spring band 18 (see FIG. 1). The extension refers to a
vertical displacement of the top of the headband from the lower
portions of the headband. More specifically, the arcuate section 12
may be pulled upward away from the housings 14 or pushed downward
toward the housings 14 to accommodate larger or smaller head sizes,
respectively (see FIG. 1B). A greater extension means a greater
vertical displacement of the top of the headband from the lower
portions of the headband and therefore a lower force is required to
"open" the headband. Plots 46, 48 and 50 depict the force applied
for no extension, an extension of 12 mm and an extension of 25 mm,
respectively, for a headband having a 0.8 mm thick spring band. The
range of clamping force that can be applied by a headband with a
specific headband opening is based on the difference between the no
extension and maximum extension forces at that opening value.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 5A, an example headset 100 is shown.
Headset 100 may be similar to headset 10 shown in FIG. 1B and may
include similar components to headset 10. In an embodiment, headset
100 may include a different pivoting mechanism for the side pad or
pads than headset 10. Further, in an embodiment, headset 100 may
include an additional rotation mechanism for the side pad or
pads.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 5B, an expanded view of headset 100 shows
an interior of a right housing 106 of headset 100. As shown in FIG.
5B, side pad 102 may include a rotation mechanism 104 that allows
side pad 102 to rotate (as depicted by arrow 108) about a rotation
axis with respect to headset 10. The rotation axis may be different
than the hinge axis (or pivot axis) described above. Rotation
mechanism 104 may allow side pad 102 to rotate such that side pad
102 is substantially aligned with right housing 106 of headset
100.
[0054] Rotation mechanism 104 may be included in a headband or
housing of headset 100 and may include one or more of a spring,
retaining ring, retaining pin, and rotating member that allow side
pad 102 to rotate. This rotation may further help a user position
the headband, side pads, and/or headset on his or her head. The
flexibility added by rotation mechanism 104 may allow the user to
more easily move the side pad or pads to a comfortable location or
locations on his or her head. Further, the rotation may also allow
the headset to be more compact for storage in a carrying case. In
an implementation, the headset may fold into a more compact shape
for storage in the carrying case.
[0055] Side pad 102 may have a contoured surface to engage a head
of a user in a contact region and may be pivotably and rotatably
coupled to the headband at a location proximate to one of the first
and second ends of the headband. Referring now to FIG. 5C, a blown
up view of headset 100 showing the interior of right housing 106
and rotation mechanism 104 is shown. FIG. 5C also shows a pivot
mechanism 110. Various components of rotation mechanism 104 may
also be components of pivot mechanism 110, and various components
of pivot mechanism 110 may also be components of rotation mechanism
104.
[0056] Rotation mechanism 104 may be disposed between the side pad
102 and one end of the headband. Rotation mechanism 104 may be
configured so that side pad 102 is rotatable about at least one
rotation axis. Rotation mechanism 104 may include one or more of
spring 112, retaining ring 114, retaining pin 116, and rotating
member 118 that allow side pad 102 to rotate about the rotation
axis.
[0057] In an implementation, spring 112 may be substantially
circular in shape and may support rotation of rotation member 118
and side pad 102 about the rotation axis. Spring 102 may allow the
user to rotate side pad 102 in a more controlled manner. Retaining
ring 114 may also be substantially circular in shape and may
operate to hold spring 112 and rotation member 118 in place in
right housing 106. Retaining pin 116 may sit in a hole or bore
created in rotation member 118 and in another hole or bore created
in pad knuckle 120, all of which may operate together to secure
side pad 102 to right housing 106, yet still allowing rotation of
side pad 102.
[0058] Rotation member 118 may be substantially cylindrical in
shape and may also be shaped to receive pad knuckle 120 and
retaining pin 116. Both rotation member 118 and pad knuckle 120 may
include substantially aligned holes or bores such that both
rotation member 118 and pad knuckle 120 may receive retaining pin
116.
[0059] Pivot mechanism 110 may also be disposed between the side
pad 102 and one end of the headband. Pivot mechanism 110 may be
configured so that side pad 102 is pivotable about at least one
pivot axis. Pivot mechanism 110 may include pad knuckle 120 and
retaining pin 116.
[0060] In an implementation, as discussed above, retaining pin 116
may sit in a hole or bore created in rotation member 118 and in
another hole or bore created in pad knuckle 120. Pad knuckle 120,
retaining pin 116 and rotation member 118 may operate together as a
hinge mechanism or system, and may allow side pad 102 to pivot
about the pivot axis. The pivot axis may be substantially
perpendicular to the rotation axis in at least one position of side
pad 102. In an implementation, pad knuckle 120, retaining pin 116
and rotation member 118 may sit substantially stationary and may
not allow side pad 102 to pivot about the pivot axis. In this
implementation, headset 100 may include only a rotation mechanism
and the components of the pivot mechanism may be used to secure
side pad 102 to right housing 106.
[0061] In an embodiment, a second side pad may be rotatably and/or
pivotably attached to the headband proximate to another end of the
headband (e.g., a left side of the headband) and may have a second
contoured surface to engage the head of the user at a second
contact region. The second side pad may also include a rotation
mechanism and/or a pivot mechanism similar to rotation mechanism
104 and/or pivot mechanism 110, respectively. Each pad may have a
forward end and a back end and be pivotably and/or rotatably
attached to the headband at locations on the pads closer to the
back ends than the forward ends, respectively.
[0062] As discussed above, in an embodiment, headset 100 and side
pad 102 may include only a rotation mechanism. The rotation
mechanism may include components from both rotation mechanism 104
and pivot mechanism 110 and may be configured so that side pad 102
is rotatable about at least one rotation axis, but not necessarily
pivotable about at least one pivot axis. In other words, various
components of both rotation mechanism 104 and pivot mechanism 110
may form a single rotation mechanism holding the components of both
rotation mechanism 104 and pivot mechanism 110 together and
operating such that side pad 102 is rotatable about at least one
rotation axis.
[0063] A number of implementations have been described.
Nevertheless, it will be understood that the foregoing description
is intended to illustrate, and not to limit, the scope of the
inventive concepts which are defined by the scope of the claims.
Other examples are within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *